Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

Home to sultans for centuries, Topkapi Palace is a World Heritage Site with a rich history and superb Ottoman architecture. Built by Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century, the enormous palace's courtyards and buildings were, at one time, home to almost 4,000 people. Though much of the site is off limits to tourists, one of the highlights you can access is its highly ornate harem, with an intriguing history and notable interiors. Though royalty later moved to European-style residences along the Bosphorus, this palace is important for being truly Ottoman in spirit and design. Using our custom trip planner, Istanbul attractions like Topkapi Palace can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

The palace, the harem, its gardens and the Bosphorus views very nice, at the ticket offices are unkind and we did not want to sell the combo card to see several museums, which was over in Istanbul, surprise when we later went to Hagia Sophia , if they had it.

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By wordvisualvisualword

Getting in was like waiting for the gates of paradise where everyone wants to enter but has to go through a scrutinizing check and patience that really tests. When you do finally get in after like 2 h...
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A visit to Topkapi palace need one full day for a history lover. You won't regret visiting this place. It is a huge place and a lot to discover. The items are preserved in such a way that you will completely indulge in it.
The HAREM is another place inside this palace which require a different pass. I recommend you to take a Combo pass with audio support. Its amazing. You won't regret. If you are a history lover, do learn some history of this palace before your visit.
While returning from here, you will realise that ancient times also had the best technology and development for everything.
A real master class. Must visit in Istanbul.
I visited again here during April 2019 and I should say, I appreciate again the perfection of this amazing palace.

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By DeeKay

Large palace with several pavilions beautifully decorated with tiles. Great view of modern Istanbul from the rear of the gardens. It can be seen in a couple hours, but is also a great way to spend a leisurely day. If you buy the Museum Card beware that you can only enter the palace once, so visit the Harem while you are there. I missed it when I tried to see it the next day